Daddy, Papa, and Me

Written by Leslea Newman. Illustrated by Carol Thompson

Tricycle Press 2009
ISBN 978-1-58246-262-2
(reviewed copy is from my personal resource library)

'Daddy, Papa, and Me' is a short, rhyming, board book narrated by a young toddler.
A variety of parent-child interactions are described, all of which are play based and represent a warm and caring family.

Simple, rhyming text makes for a lovely  read-aloud in 'Daddy, Papa, and Me'
Missus B's Picture Book Reviews

Dressing up, flying paper planes, baking or painting- each page describes an activity and has a brightly coloured, corresponding illustration. 

The playful scenes capture interactions that all children can relate to, no matter what their family type. And that's the beauty of this book- it shows how play, love and together-time are the essence of family. The story high lights how parental love is universal, no matter what the sex of a parent may be.

An important book for a classroom library which represents diversity .

Check out 'Mommy, Mama, and Me' also.

Happy reading, 

Missus B

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Mommy, Mama, and Me

Written by Leslea Newman
Illustrated by Carol Thompson
Tricycle Press 2009
ISBN 978-1-58246-263-9
                                                                             

'Mommy, Mama and Me' is a rhyming board book which describes typical day-to-day, family interactions in the home of child with same sex parents. 
(check out 'Daddy, Papa, and Me' from the same duo)

In warm water colours, fifteen parent and child interactions are shared in 'Mommy, Mama, and Me'

Told from a toddler's point of view, the book describes familiar parent and child activities like- sharing a book together, having snuggles, preparing meals or going to the park. Every child who experiences nurturing, care and love will relate to the family experiences described in the book. 

Mommy gently combs my hair. Mama rocks me in her chair.
Missus B's Picture Book Reviews: 'Mommy, Mama, and Me'

The story is told in rhyming text, each line directly corresponding with an image. Simple and predictable, it is perfect for a read-a-loud story time. 

In short:
'Mommy, Mama, and Me' describes a loving and warm family unit, with interactions and activities that every child may be familiar with. It shows how the principles of parental love are universal, no matter what the make up of a family may be.
If you want to represent diverse family types, or the non-traditional, this book is a must for your class-room collection.

Happy reading,
Missus B.                                                     

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Just Because

A heartwarming story about the special bond between a brother and sister.


Text and illustrations: Rebecca Elliot
Lion Children's Books, an imprint of Lion Hudson plc 2010
Reviewed copy from library

Back of book:
Toby thinks his sister Clemmie is the best. Join their adventures to find out why.
A heart-warming story of the very special bond between a brother and a sister, no matter what.
"A truly lovely book for all readers." Michael Rosen
"A book that deserves a place in every library and school in the country!" Joy Court, Youth Librarian's Group.

The book:
The story is narrated by Toby, who describes the relationship between he and his older sister Clemmie. To open, he explains that his sister cannot walk, talk or move around much 'just because.' Toby describes how Clemmie makes him laugh, how she likes or dislikes particular things , the imaginative fun they have with Clemmie's wheel chair and how they share books & play together. 

More from Missus B:
This is the sweet story of a beautiful relationship between two young siblings. Toby speaks of his sister with warm affection, pride and utter love. He explains that while she may not be able to do algebra, juggle or cook macaroni....

She's a lot like a princess. 
They don't have to do much either.
They can just sit and look pretty.
Just because.
Toby describes warm interactions between he and his sister- how Clemmie makes him laugh with her funny faces, how she admires his art work or doesn't mind if Toby plays loudly, chases the cat or even eats crayons! In his account of playful behaviour, personal attributes and sibling interactions, Toby explains that, he does not know the reasoning, but things are this way 'Just because.' On reading each 'Just because', I could almost visualise the little blond haired Toby, casually shrugging in a matter of fact manner.

Clemmie likes drawings of trains, spoons & dragonflies but not pigeon drawings!
Toby says 'I don't know why. Just because'
Missus B's Picture Book Reviews
'Just Because'

Toby knows that some sisters can be mean...

They scream and shout,
pull your hair,
steal your chips
and won't play cowboys 
with you.
I don't know why they're 
like that.
Just because.

Clemmie's not like that.

Toby loves that Clemmie (unlike some other sisters) likes to play cowboys
Missus B's Picture Book Reviews
'Just Because'

To close the story, Toby describes how at night time, Clemmie gently cuddles him as he begins 'to dream of ice creams,tractors, and acorns...' and she waits for him to go to sleep. 

Toby says:
Clemmie's my best friend and I love her
And I know exactly why.
Just because.

Clemmie's my best friend and I love her. And I know exactly why.
Just because.
Missus B's Picture Book Reviews

This is a sweet and funny account of family life. Clemmie's disability is not central in the story, and through Toby's narrative, we accept that Clemmie just happens to use a wheelchair. Clemmie's disability is of little significance when there are silly hats to wear, bugs to play with and cuddles to share. Rightly so!

The illustrations are rich, colourful and warm, every page filled with streaky, swirling, soft background colour. Lots of cute details can be admired, from the patterned children's clothing to the animated sea creatures and insects (like Clemmie & Toby's pet lady bug 'Simon'.)

One of my favourite double page spreads in 'Just Because' -Toby describes Clemmie's big, curly hair.
Missus B's Picture Book Reviews

The text is almost rhythmic and easy to read in large, dark font, with Clemmie's name and the words 'Just because' written in playful, curling text. 

In short: 
This is a touching and amusing story about a sibling relationship where play, personal attributes, affection and love make everyday a fun adventure. It celebrates unconditional love, recognizes difference and shows how a special relationship by far overrides special needs.

Happy reading,
Missus B

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I Love Hugs

This post includes affiliate links

Go on.....try reading this book without having the urge for a quick snuggle!

Book Details
Written by Camilla de la Bedoyere
Editor: Tasha Percy
Designer:Natalie Godwin
QED Publishing 2014
Library copy reviewed

Back of book
Hugs, cuddles, snuggles-all are wonderful to share. I Love Hugs features fun facts and adorable photographs. It's time to cuddle up and feel the love.

First double page spread.
The photographs in this book DEFINITELY have the cute factor

More from Missus B....

Sharing this book without sharing a cuddle is like eating a donut without licking your lips!

'I Love Hugs' is a cute book which  combines interesting animal facts with endearing photographs and comments about physical affection. The information describes relationships in the animal world, focusing on their social and protective behaviours. It highlights how the instinctive behaviours of animals are often akin to the social behaviours of human beings. 

Each page opens with some playful and affectionate words from the perspective of the animals. On the raccoon page we first read:

We love to hug trees! We are brothers, and holding hands makes us feel all warm inside.

Brotherly love....

This leads on to more factual information:

Mother raccoons have babies once a year. They have three to seven babies at a time, and they look after them in dens they have built in trees.

The photographs are large and clear and each double page spread informs us about one animal- fifteen in all. The author has interpreted the actions and expressions of the animals and matched these with fitting comments e.g. the Northern white-cheeked gibbons have a sad expression and the author writes:

When a friend is feeling sad, just wrap your arms around them and gently squeeze.

The photographs are a collection of animals playing, resting and gathering in their natural habitats featuring groups or parents and their young. The book describes affectionate behaviour and the feelings associated with it e.g. play fights, cosy cuddles, feeling protected & safe , holding hands, feeling warm inside, cuddling for warmth.

C'Meer for a hug!!

What a bunch of cuteness!

The final page gives a heartwarming message, while inviting readers to think about the benefits of affection:

Here are three good reasons for hugging.

A cuddle is a good way to show someone you love them.
A snuggle makes you feel safe and warm.
A hug is worth a hundred words...
Can you think of any more?

This is a lovely read for bedtime, snuggle time or anytime! 

Happy reading, 

Missus B

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